(WWJ) A Mid-Michigan man who disappeared after visiting a resort hotel in Frankenmuth over the holidays has been found dead, according to police.
Frankenmuth Police said the body of 52-year-old Robert Bacon, of Byron, was located at around 2 p.m. on Jan. 4, and recovered by divers in the Cass River, near Heritage Park in Frankenmuth.
The preliminary cause of death appears to be a drowning, police said, although results of an autopsy by the Saginaw County Medical Examiner's Office are still pending.
Bacon, who has two teenage daughters, was last seen at a family gathering at the Bavarian Inn Lodge on Dec. 27, 2024.
Family members said video showed Bacon arrived at the hotel and checked into his room at around 7:15 p.m. He was suppose to meet his youngest daughter down at the pool, but never arrived, his ex-wife told WWMT.
Police began investigating when Bacon was reported missing on Dec. 30. "We want to assure you that we have checked all available public and private cameras in the area and have worked diligently on behalf of Mr. Bacon and his family as soon as he was reported missing," police said, in an earlier release.
In the five days that followed, police said an extensive investigation and search efforts were conducted involving the Bavarian Inn Lodge Administration, Frankenmuth Police Department and Michigan State Police, with help from K9 teams, dive teams, drone units and other area law enforcement.
Many questions remain in the case — including why Bacon left the hotel, and how he ended up in the river.
Police said the investigation is ongoing, adding: "The Frankenmuth Police Department, the Frankenmuth Community, First Responders, and the Bavarian Inn Lodge extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Bacon during this difficult time. The FPD appreciates all those who assisted in the investigation."